Nelson Mandela Bay Convention Bureau Participates in 2025 SAACI National Annual Congress

From left: Ms. Sadie Isaacs - NMBM EDTA, Ms. Anene Jonck - Kouga Local Municipality, Ms. Siphokazi Ngombane - NMBM - EDTA, Ms. Heidi Halgryn - Kouga Local Municipality and Mr. Alistair Stead - Scan Display Solutions.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Convention Bureau (NMBCB) participated in the 2025 Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) National Annual Congress, held in Cape Town from 27 to 29 July 2025. The congress was hosted under the theme “Shaping Tomorrow, Together, Today – Transforming Ideas into Impact” and brought together stakeholders from the business events sector, including national and regional tourism bodies, private sector partners, and destination representatives.

The congress programme focused on key industry themes, including sustainability, professionalisation, data and technology, and the long-term growth and transformation of the business events industry. Sessions included the Green Innovation Shark Tank, CEO Simulations, and intergenerational panel discussions, providing structured platforms for the presentation and critique of ideas aimed at improving sectoral performance.

Dr. Craig Wing, a futurist and innovation strategist, delivered the keynote address, which explored potential future developments and the role of innovation in shaping the events industry. One of the congress’s prominent sessions featured a panel debate moderated by Gwyn and included panellists Gary Corin and Dr. Wing, discussing the trajectory of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector in Africa.

A notable development during the congress was the official launch of Africa’s Business Events Growth Plan – Blueprint 2030. This strategy document outlines a coordinated vision for the growth of business events across the continent, with specific reference to sustainable development, regional integration, and transformation.

Delegates also participated in the SAACI Annual General Meeting, which included governance updates, board elections, and financial reporting. Additional programme elements involved structured networking, interactive discussion forums, and scenario-based engagement on future planning within the sector.

NMBCB’s attendance ensured that Nelson Mandela Bay was represented in national sector dialogues and had access to the latest developments in policy, market trends, and collaborative strategies. Participation in the congress also provided insights into the alignment of local objectives with broader national and continental frameworks, particularly in relation to Blueprint 2030.

The Convention Bureau will consider relevant outcomes from the congress in its ongoing planning processes and will continue to engage with national partners to support the development of a competitive and sustainable business events sector in Nelson Mandela Bay.